ORIGIN

Prudhomme Inspired: 1965 Dodge C500 Ramp Hauler

This 1965 Dodge C500 ramp hauler is an interesting tribute to the two similar “Snake” and “Mongoose” themed trucks used to haul matching drag cars as part of an early 70’s Don Prudhomme/Hot Wheels promotional tour. The two originals were red and yellow, respectively, and both were offered earlier this month at Barrett Jackson’s 2014 Scottsdale auction. From what we can gather this truck is merely inspired by the Snake and Mongoose trucks, and wears a totally original but period looking paint scheme. Find it here on eBay in Carlsbad, California for $21,500 OBO.

Though the bodywork aft of the cab is broadly similar to the Prudhomme originals, those two were based on different D700 crew cab donor trucks. Photos are decent but not very large, and overall the truck seems to be nicely presented with straight panels, decent paint, and complete trim. The stars and stripes theme is convincingly evocative of the era it aims to emulate, and the engine access easing forward swinging fenders are a super-cool touch.

Inside everything seems to be in decent shape but apart from a neatly shaped instrument binnacle there’s not much of visual interest. Directly behind the gray vinyl covered seats is a sleeper cabin with brown shag carpeting, and between them to the front sprout levers for the 4-speed transmission and 2-speed rear end. The fuel gauge and speedo are currently inop, but everything else is said to be working.

A 318 CI V8 looks lost in the massive engine bay, and though it probably gives adequate motivation for the truck itself, once laden with a car in back it would almost certainly struggle to keep up with modern freeway traffic. Either a 440 or Cummins diesel swap should be on the top of a potential new owner’s to-do list it’s going to be put to work.

We’d love to see it topped with a matching white Belvedere, preferably with a Hemi or Max Wedge under the hood. What would you ratchet strap to the back?